Southampton boss remains tight-lipped over latest wantaway star

Mauricio Pochettino has refused to be drawn on speculation linking Morgan Schneiderlin with a move to Tottenham from Southampton, according to Sky Sports.

The France international was one of the stand-out performers for Pochettino at Southampton last season, and Spurs are keen to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Schneiderlin has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool this summer, but his relationship with Pochettino has Tottenham down as favourites for his signature.

Speaking after his side ended their pre-season tour of of the US with a 2-0 win over Chicago Fire, Pochettino said: “We’re trying to improve the squad but I never speak about players from other clubs.

“I have respect. I’m just focused on my team.”

Pochettino sparked a mass exodus from Southampton when he made the switch to White Hart Lane last month.

The Saints have so far sold Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Callum Chambers, with Schneiderlin set to be the next out of the exit door.

Brad Friedel meanwhile has praised the work of Pochettino on the training ground, and believes the early impressions of his new boss during their pre season tour of America, means he can predict a successful season.

“The (tour) was a success and on the training pitch it was a big success,” Friedel said.

“We trained twice a day most days; he’s a very demanding manager but also very enjoyable (to work with).

“The style of play changes whenever a manager changes. I think you’ll see a lot of pressing, a lot of attacking football, I think you’ll see us try to play from ther back. You’ve seen a glimpse here of what we’ll try to do.”